54 m. ago Burnham rebellion grows: 50 Labour MPs sign letter to Starmer protesting against decision to block Manchester mayor

One MP called for the PM to 'consider his position' while more than 50 put their names to a letter critical of his actions. There were also calls for an emergency meeting of the party's ruling body.

Events

10 h. ago Tories withdraw ‘mental health’ briefing about Suella Braverman after former Tory home secretary joins Reform – UK politics live

Her defection means there are now eight Reform MPs in the CommonsKeir Starmer was being interview by Beth Rigby from Sky News this morning when he defended the decision not to let Andy Burnham be a byelection candidate.After Starmer delivered his first answer (see 10.15am), Rigby asked him to what he would say to Labour MPs who think he is being “cowardly” and just blocking Burnham to avoid the risk of a leadership contest.Millions of people will be better off if we have the continuation of a Labour government in Wales, and if we’re able to win the government in Scotland and retain and win councils across England.When I came into politics in 2015, the first thing I did was support Andy Burnham’s leadership campaign. The first team I worked in was for Andy Burnham. And in the job he’s doing now, he and I work closely together ..So there’s no question of me and Andy not working very well together. He’s doing an excellent job.The battle of our times is the battle between patriotic, Lab...

Society

11 h. ago Starmer defends Labour decision to bar Burnham from byelection

Greater Manchester mayor’s participation in 26 February byelection would ‘divert resources’, says prime ministerUK politics live – latest updatesKeir Starmer has defended Labour’s decision to block Andy Burnham from standing for parliament, a move which has triggered a major backlash against the prime minister from sections of his own party.Starmer said on Monday he and his fellow officers on Labour’s ruling executive committee had decided not to let Burnham quit as mayor of Greater Manchester to avoid triggering a costly mayoral election. Continue reading...

Politics

12 h. ago Labour says Farage ‘stuffing his party full of failed Tories’ after Suella Braverman joins Reform – UK politics live

Her defection comes shortly after Robert Jenrick joined Nigel Farage’s party, meaning there are now eight Reform MPs in the CommonsKeir Starmer was being interview by Beth Rigby from Sky News this morning when he defended the decision not to let Andy Burnham be a byelection candidate.After Starmer delivered his first answer (see 10.15am), Rigby asked him to what he would say to Labour MPs who think he is being “cowardly” and just blocking Burnham to avoid the risk of a leadership contest.Millions of people will be better off if we have the continuation of a Labour government in Wales, and if we’re able to win the government in Scotland and retain and win councils across England.When I came into politics in 2015, the first thing I did was support Andy Burnham’s leadership campaign. The first team I worked in was for Andy Burnham. And in the job he’s doing now, he and I work closely together ..So there’s no question of me and Andy not working very well together. He’s doing an excellen...

Politics

13 h. ago ‘I feel like I’ve come home’: former Tory home secretary Suella Braverman defects to Reform UK – UK politics live

Her defection comes shortly after Robert Jenrick joined Nigel Farage’s party, meaning there are now eight Reform MPs in the Commons.Keir Starmer was being interview by Beth Rigby from Sky News this morning when he defended the decision not to let Andy Burnham be a byelection candidate.After Starmer delivered his first answer (see 10.15am), Rigby asked him to what he would say to Labour MPs who think he is being “cowardly” and just blocking Burnham to avoid the risk of a leadership contest.Millions of people will be better off if we have the continuation of a Labour government in Wales, and if we’re able to win the government in Scotland and retain and win councils across England.When I came into politics in 2015, the first thing I did was support Andy Burnham’s leadership campaign. The first team I worked in was for Andy Burnham. And in the job he’s doing now, he and I work closely together ..So there’s no question of me and Andy not working very well together. He’s doing an excelle...

Society

15 h. ago Starmer brushes off claims blocking Burnham from byelection was ‘cowardly’ – UK politics live

PM praises Manchester mayor and urges Labour to unite to fight Reform Keir Starmer was being interview by Beth Rigby from Sky News this morning when he defended the decision not to let Andy Burnham be a byelection candidate.After Starmer delivered his first answer (see 10.15am), Rigby asked him to what he would say to Labour MPs who think he is being “cowardly” and just blocking Burnham to avoid the risk of a leadership contest.Millions of people will be better off if we have the continuation of a Labour government in Wales, and if we’re able to win the government in Scotland and retain and win councils across England.When I came into politics in 2015, the first thing I did was support Andy Burnham’s leadership campaign. The first team I worked in was for Andy Burnham. And in the job he’s doing now, he and I work closely together ..So there’s no question of me and Andy not working very well together. He’s doing an excellent job.The battle of our times is the battle between patriotic...

Politics

16 h. ago Starmer defends blocking Burnham from standing in byelection – UK politics live

PM says holding a mayoral election in Manchester would divert resources from local council, Scottish and Welsh campaigns for LabourKeir Starmer has defended the decision not to allow Andy Burnham to stand to be Labour’s candidate in the Gorton and Denton byelection. Starmer was on the 10-strong panel that took the near-unanimous decision to block Burnham yesterday, and, speaking to broadcasters today, he set out the same argument used by Douglas Alexander earlier. (See 8.51am.) Starmer said:We have really important elections already across England for local councils, very important elections in Wales for the government there and very important elections in Scotland for the Scottish government that will affect millions of people. And we’re out campaigning on the cost of living and they’re very important elections.We need all of our focus on those elections.There’s also a political point here. What does our constitution say as a democratic socialist party? “By the strength of our comm...

Politics

16 h. ago Keir Starmer breaks silence on Andy Burnham decision as Labour anger grows

Keir Starmer said Andy Burnham is doing a "great job" as Greater Manchester mayor - but allowing him to run for a Westminster seat would "divert our resources" from Labour campaigns in May's elections

Events

35 h. ago Blocking Burnham will ‘hasten your demise,’ Starmer warned by senior London MP as Labour civil war explodes 

Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell says decision will cause ‘immense damage’ in scathing attack on Starmer

Events

38 h. ago Andy Burnham blocked from byelection race by Labour ruling committee

Decision likely to set off ferocious row between Keir Starmer loyalists and allies of Greater Manchester mayorLabour’s national executive committee has blocked Andy Burnham’s request to seek selection for the Gorton and Denton byelection, according to Labour sources.The decision is likely to set off a ferocious row with allies of the Greater Manchester mayor. Continue reading...

Politics

38 h. ago Labour’s powerful ruling body ‘calls for pause in Burnham by

Labour's governing National Executive Committee is embroiled in a furious row over whether to allow the Greater Manchester mayor to stand in the Gorton and Denton by-election

Events

41 h. ago Andy Burnham latest: Decision day for Labour as Starmer allies warned not to block mayor’s Commons bid

Manchester mayor will find out today if Labour will allow him to stand in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election, paving the way for a potential leadership challenge

Events

41 h. ago Minister urged to 'come clean' over what he knew about alleged misuse of funds at heritage body

A senior employee of Historic Environment Scotland allegedly used an exclusive dining room at Edinburgh Castle for a private dinner during the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Politics

3 d. ago Man United transfer latest: Kobbie Mainoo decision made as clubs queue up for departing star

Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo is facing a make-or-break moment in his young career ahead of a summer of change at Old Trafford

Politics

3 d. ago Jesy Nelson tearfully explains why she 'always stayed quiet' about Little Mix

Former Little Mix star Jesy Nelson has finally spoken out about her decision to leave the world famous band in her new documentary which is due to be released next month

Politics

3 d. ago Four of Britain’s most expensive beach huts sell despite council tax decision

Last week the council made the controversial decision to start charging hut owners full council tax

Politics

3 d. ago Michael Carrick's comments about Jadon Sancho speak volumes as Man Utd star faces dilemma

Michael Carrick will lead Manchester United until the end of the season with decisions to be made about forgotten stars

Politics

4 d. ago Casemiro statement in full as Man United star shows true colours after exit decision

Manchester United have confirmed that Casemiro will be leaving the club at the end of the season - with the midfielder making two statements on the decision.

Politics

4 d. ago Senior Scotland stars make decision binning the wearing of kilts in favour of slick suits at World Cup

Practical reasons at the centre of Steve Clarke's squad opting against donning national dress at the summer showpiece

Politics

5 d. ago This Morning star opens up on 'last resort' surgery decision after making 'emergency will'

This Morning expert has shared a health update with fans as she prepares for spinal surgery after years of chronic back pain

Politics